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per·sis·tent | \ pər-ˈsi-stənt 
, -ˈzi- \
, -ˈzi- \Definition of persistent
1 : existing for a long or longer than usual time or continuously: such as
a : retained beyond the usual period
a persistent leaf
b : continuing without change in function or structure
persistent gills
c : effective in the open for an appreciable time usually through slow volatilizing mustard gas is persistent
d : degraded only slowly by the environment
persistent pesticides
e : remaining infectious for a relatively long time in a vector after an initial period of incubation
persistent viruses
2a : continuing or inclined to persist in a course
b : continuing to exist despite interference or treatment
a persistent cough has been in a persistent vegetative state for two years
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Examples of persistent in a Sentence
Contrary to persistent myth, Hoover was an activist. — Steve Forbes, Forbes, 30 June 2008 The high-water mark of such truckling might be the publication of the Cato Institute report "America's Record Trade Deficit: A Symbol of Strength." Freedom had become slavery; persistent deficits had become economic power. — Eric Janszen, Harper's, February 2008 The silence started from your end just about the time you said good-bye to dear St. Elizabeth and it has been constant and persistent ever since. — Archibald Macleish, letter, 11 July 1959
We were nagged by a persistent salesman.
He is one of the government's most persistent critics.
She has been persistent in pursuing the job.
He has been fighting a persistent cold.
Flooding has been a persistent problem in the area this year. Persistent rumors that the business is for sale have alarmed the staff.
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Recent Examples on the Web In 2016, Riley Children's Hospital contacted police after Alberts' son, who was 15 years old at the time, was being treated for leukemia and developed persistent and unexplained blood infections.
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Holly V. Hays, Indianapolis Star, "Indiana woman who injected feces into son's IV sentenced for battery and neglect charges," 26 Dec. 2019 Chair Jerome Powell said the Fed won’t move off the sidelines until a significant and persistent move in inflation appears.
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David Meyer, Fortune, "How Equality Sparks Innovation," 12 Dec. 2019 As increasingly violent pro-democracy protests disrupt Hong Kong, graffiti remains a peaceful but persistent form of resistance in a city renowned for order.
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1843, "Writing on the wall: a tour of Hong Kong’s protest graffiti," 6 Dec. 2019 The new season sees Annie happily coupled with Ryan (Luka Jones) and having faced down her demons, including a persistent online troll.
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Tyler Aquilina, EW.com, "Aidy Bryant 'shakes her s--- up' in Hulu's Shrill season 2 trailer," 4 Dec. 2019 His selfless nature was evident by his volunteerism and persistent need to help others.
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courant.com, "Robert H. Lindgren," 1 Dec. 2019 Fears inspired by the Easter attacks added substance to another factor that has boosted the Rajapaksas: a persistent and widespread narrative of Sinhalese victimhood.
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The Economist, "A polarising figure becomes president of Sri Lanka," 21 Nov. 2019 Perhaps the most persistent rumors about his sexuality came from his close relationship with then-husband and wife Jeremy and Camilla Fry.
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Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, "Antony Armstrong-Jones Was Much More Than Just Princess Margaret's Husband," 17 Nov. 2019 The warmth mostly owes to a persistent and dominant ridge of high pressure that anchored over the southwestern U.S. throughout most of September.
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Chris Bianchi, The Denver Post, "Colorado just recorded its hottest September on record," 19 Oct. 2019
See MoreThese example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'persistent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for persistent
persistent
adjectiveEnglish Language Learners Definition of persistent
: continuing to do something or to try to do something even though it is difficult or other people want you to stop
: continuing beyond the usual, expected, or normal time : not stopping or going away
See the full definition for persistent in the English Language Learners Dictionary
persistent
adjectiveper·sist·ent | \ pər-ˈsi-stənt \
\Kids Definition of persistent
: continuing to act or exist longer than usual
a persistent cold
persistent
adjectiveper·sis·tent | \ -tənt \
\Medical Definition of persistent
1 : existing or continuing for a long time: as
a : effective in the open for an appreciable time usually through slow volatilizing
mustard gas is persistent
b : degraded only slowly by the environment
persistent pesticides
c : remaining infectious for a relatively long time in a vector after an initial period of incubation
persistent viruses
2 : continuing to exist despite interference or treatment
a persistent cough has been in a persistent vegetative state for two years
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Comments on persistent
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Time Traveler for persistent
The first known use of persistent was in 1826
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